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Jak Tichenor named interim Simon Institute director

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Illinois

Jak Tichenor, whose journalism career with WSIU Public Broadcasting spanned nearly 34 years, will become interim director of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Nov. 1.

He will replace David Yepsen, who is retiring at the end of this month after leading the institute for the past seven years. The university will conduct a national search for a permanent director. […]

“Our granddaughter was born with spina bifida, making it very difficult for her to walk,” Tichenor said. “One of the bills that Paul passed while in the Illinois General Assembly required children with disabilities to be able to attend public schools like every other child in the state. He did it here in Illinois and he did it later in Congress. Paul once told me that bill never generated a single headline or editorial, but it was one of the things he was most proud of getting accomplished. Thanks to his good work, she and countless other children living with disabilities are able to go to school and get a good start in life.”

His immediate plans for the institute are to continue working on projects “that David Yepsen and his staff have been working on that need to be successfully implemented and carried out well into the spring semester and beyond.”

In addition, the institute will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year “and we want to organize a series of events and speakers that recognize Sen. Simon’s legacy in an appropriate way, but more importantly, continue to grow that legacy by developing projects and activities that reflect his priorities and engage the citizens of today and tomorrow in meaningful, measurable ways.”

Way to go, Lester!

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Oct 20, 16 @ 4:18 pm

Comments

Congrats to an old SIU classmate!

Comment by Joe Schmoe Thursday, Oct 20, 16 @ 4:20 pm
Congrats to Jak!

Comment by Fisher Thursday, Oct 20, 16 @ 5:00 pm
Congratulations and best wishes to Jak Tichenor.

I’m very excited for the future of the Institute.

Oswego Willy

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 20, 16 @ 5:02 pm
Great Choice. Congrats Jak

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Oct 20, 16 @ 5:24 pm
Maybe Jak’s first order of business will be to recommend that SIUC quit spending advertising dollars with the Southern. Yesterday they endorsed T Bryant. A Rauner wanna be.

Comment by Blue dog dem Thursday, Oct 20, 16 @ 7:31 pm
Smart choice! Good luck, Jak.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Thursday, Oct 20, 16 @ 7:38 pm
Great decision…good luck

Comment by Steve Brown Thursday, Oct 20, 16 @ 7:39 pm
Good for Jak & good for SIUC. Yepsen was okay. Think Jak is a better fit.

Comment by Corporate Thug Thursday, Oct 20, 16 @ 8:03 pm
This is great news. Jak Tichenor is a class guy all around, beloved in SO IL and respected in Springfield.

Comment by Ray del Camino Thursday, Oct 20, 16 @ 9:58 pm
Great pick and good choice for this important position.

Jak knew Paul and understands the potential this Institute has and will carry on and expand the legacy of Paul that has already been established.

Best Wishes.

Comment by illini Thursday, Oct 20, 16 @ 9:59 pm
I went to SIU with Jake, good choice!

Comment by G'Kar Thursday, Oct 20, 16 @ 10:51 pm
How much,if any does this position pay?

Comment by Blue dog dem Friday, Oct 21, 16 @ 6:17 am
Jak will do a terrific job and maintain the high standards set by Senator Simon and Mike Lawrence. Congratulations to Jak and SIU!

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Friday, Oct 21, 16 @ 9:07 am